How do we experience more peace? In this Advent teaching, John Mark shares about his journey with anxiety and explores the theme of peace throughout the Scriptures. He challenges us to see that inner peace isn't just about feeling better—it's essential for becoming people of love.

Key Scripture Passages: Colossians 3:15; John 14:27; John 20:19-21; 1 John 4:18

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Brad from Dallas, Texas; Alexa from Tampa, Florida; Dan from Sellersville, Pennsylvania; Andrew from Floyds Knobs, Indiana; and Heather from Camarillo, California. Thank you all so much!

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What does it mean to wait with hope? Gemma Ryan explores the story of Simeon—a man who waited decades for the Messiah—and invites us into three transformative questions: What are you waiting for? Who are you becoming as you wait? And what is sustaining you in the waiting? She shows us how waiting isn't passive but active, and how our seasons of in-between can become the very places where God refines and transforms us.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 2v1-7, 22-35; Psalm 130; Isaiah 40; Galatians 4v4

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Kathleen from Dallas, Texas; Shailaja from Cranbury, New Jersey; Edward from Pacific Palisades, California; Jeremy from Shoreview, Minnesota; and David from Hove, East Sussex. Thank you all so much!

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What do we do when community gets difficult? John Mark explores the inevitable challenges that arise in deep community and introduces a six-stage cycle that all healthy relationships go through. He shares why commitment is required to stay together long enough to actually grow into people of love.

Key Scripture Passages: 1 Corinthians 3v1-4; Matthew 6v15

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Connie from Newton, Kansas; Gayle from Woodstock, Georgia; Todd from Costa Mesa, California; Adam from Fircrest, Washington; and Richard from Laconia, New Hampshire. Thank you all very much!

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Why is authentic community so hard to find? John Mark explores the modern challenges that keep us isolated—busyness, transience, digital distraction—but then goes deeper to reveal the ancient enemy underneath it all: shame. He shows us how shame disconnects us from God and each other, and how the often-overlooked practice of confession can heal our deepest wounds and reconnect us to the love we're desperate for.

Key Scripture Passages: Genesis 2v25; Romans 7v21-25, 8v1-3; Mark 2v17; James 5v16

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Heather from West Linn, Oregon; Andy from Austin, Texas; Kim from Lakeside, California; McKenna from Oviedo, Florida; and Veranda from Coppell, Texas. Thank you all so much!

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How do we go deep in community? John Mark explores the practice of sharing our joys and sorrows in community—following Jesus' example of both celebrating around the table and bearing his deepest pain with trusted friends.

Key Scripture Passages: Mark 14v22-24, 32-34; Genesis 2v18; Galatians 6v2; Hebrews 10v24-25; John 15v11; Isaiah 53v3

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Trent from Madera, California; Simone from Arcadia, Oklahoma; Allison from Lynchburg, Virginia; Megan from South Jordan, Utah; and Breanna from Henderson, Nevada. Thank you all so much!

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What does it mean to live as the family of God? John Mark explores how we're created for relationship and why spiritual formation can't happen in isolation. He unpacks the biblical vision of church as a "fictive kinship group" and shows us how transformation happens not just on Sunday mornings, but around the dining room table with people who become family.

Key Scripture Passages: Genesis 1v26-27; Mark 1v16-18; Mark 3v13-14, 32-35; Romans 8v15; Acts 2v42-47

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Adam from Austin, Arkansas; Brett from Huntersville, North Carolina; Grace from Jacksonville, Florida; Brandon from Waconia, Minnesota; and Jordan from Palmer, Alaska. Thank you all so much!

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Can we rest our way to freedom? John Mark explores how Sabbath is far more than a wellness practice—it's an act of defiance against the relentless pace of modern life. He shows how God built a rhythm of work and rest into creation itself, and how the command to Sabbath is actually a way to resist cultural forces of busyness, consumerism, and endless accumulation.

Key Scripture Passages: Genesis 2v1-3; Exodus 20v8-11; Deuteronomy 5v12-15

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Joan from Coto De Caza, California; Rob from Marble Falls, Texas; Steve from Deptford, New Jersey; Dustin from Los Angeles, California; and Anna from Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Thank you all so much!

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What does Jesus really teach about money? John Mark unpacks Jesus' radical teaching from Matthew 6 on treasure, generosity, and trust. He challenges the "work more, buy more, repeat" cycle that dominates Western culture and invites us into an alternative way of life marked by simplicity, generosity, and a God-centered vision.

Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 6v19-34; 1 Timothy 6v6-19

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Christine from San Francisco, California; Chelsey from Cedar Park, Texas; Brad from Fort Worth, Texas; Ed from Fort Liberty, North Carolina; and Tara from Orleans, Ontario. Thank you all so much!

If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.